Monday, September 26, 2011

We CAN.

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” ~Edward Everett Hale.

This past weekend I was privilege to take part in the Out of the Darkness walk. I was surrounded by people who have been affected in one way or another by suicide. There was a group of walkers just ahead of me who had this quote printed on the back of their t-shirts: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” I didn’t give much thought to the quote at the time but as I reflect on my past week I have found this quote to have so much depth to its meaning.

I was reminded this past week about how one small gesture of kindheartedness can make all the difference in some ones day. Maybe it is as simple as offering kind words of support or a small act of kindness but that one small thing made all the difference to the person receiving it. I can say that this past week I have been on the receiving end of a small act of kindness. And I can tell you that it made all the difference in my world. One person, one small act is SOMETHING to someone.

I wanted to take this opportunity to remind not only myself, but remind others, that you can make a difference. It doesn’t have to be something grand, don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. But let it be simple. Offer those words of encouragement; offer a helping hand to someone who is struggling; and you will be surprised how it will make you feel.

I know that everyone at some point in their life will have a need for that small act of something to help them get through their day or week, just as I have. I hope that when we are presented with that opportunity to offer generosity and kindness to others we are reminded how something so small can mean so much.